University president William R. Brody will advise U.S. President George W. Bush on international matters as a newly-appointed member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, officially announced by the White House Sept. 5.
Brody will join the 16-member staff in counseling the President on issues related to foreign intelligence.
Brody said he was notified of his appointment last week by the White House Office of Personnel, but he has not yet been informed on the exact duties of his new position. He said the board will meet bimonthly to discuss foreign intelligence matters.
Established in 1956 by President Eisenhower, the PFIAB advises the President on the effectiveness of foreign intelligence's response to national security demands.
According to the White House Web site, "The PFIAB provides advice to the President concerning the quality and adequacy of intelligence collection, of analysis and estimates, of counter intelligence and of other intelligence activities."
Brody said he was selected for the position since he could lend a scientific understanding to foreign intelligence matters.
"They said they want a scientist who can help explain scientific issues," he said.
The White House office originally contacted him in June and urged him to apply for the prestigious appointment. Brody then filled out an application for the part-time position.
"I think it's a very important assignment," Brody said. "If the government calls on me to serve, then I'm delighted to serve my country."
The board consists of a number of high-ranking civilians, including former Californian Gov. Pete Wilson and former National Security Advisor to President George Bush, Brent Scowcroft.
Brody said that he will be careful to avoid any conflict of interest in his advising role, withholding comment from issues that are related to University interest.
"It's a very prestigious board to be on," he said. "[I can] serve the government at the highest level, and that's good for Hopkins.
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